POWER SYSTEM STABILITY

INTRODUCTION:
Power system stability of modern large inter-connected systems is a major
problem for secure operation of the system. Recent major black-outs across the globe
caused by system instability, even in very sophisticated and secure systems, illustrate the
problems facing secure operation of power systems. Earlier, stability was defined as the
ability of a system to return to normal or stable operation after having been subjected to
some form of disturbance. This fundamentally refers to the ability of the system to
remain in synchronism. However, modern power systems operate under complex
interconnections, controls and extremely stressed conditions. Further, with increased
automation and use of electronic equipment, the quality of power has gained utmost
importance, shifting focus on to concepts of voltage stability, frequency stability,
inter-area oscillations etc.
The IEEE/CIGRE Joint Task Force on stability terms and conditions have
proposed the following definition in 2004: Power System stability is the ability of an
electric power system, for a given initial operating condition, to regain a state of
operating equilibrium after being subjected to a physical disturbance, with most system
variables bounded, so that practically the entire system remains intact.
The Power System is an extremely non-linear and dynamic system, with operating
parameters continuously varying. Stability is hence, a function of the initial operating
condition and the nature of the disturbance. Power systems are continually subjected to
small disturbances in the form of load changes. The system must be in a position to be
able to adjust to the changing conditions and operate satisfactorily. The system must also
withstand large disturbances, which may even cause structural changes due to isolation of
some faulted elements.
A power system may be stable for a particular (large) disturbance and unstable for
another disturbance. It is impossible to design a system which is stable under all

disturbances. The power system is generally designed to be stable under those

disturbances which have a high degree of occurrence. The response to a disturbance is
extremely complex and involves practically all the equipment of the power system. For
example, a short circuit leading to a line isolation by circuit breakers will cause variations
in the power flows, network bus voltages and generators rotor speeds. The voltage
variations will actuate the voltage regulators in the system and generator speed variations
will actuate the prime mover governors; voltage and frequency variations will affect the
system loads. In stable systems, practically all generators and loads remain connected,
even though parts of the system may be isolated to preserve bulk operations. On the other
hand, an unstable system condition could lead to cascading outages and a shutdown of a
major portion of the power system.
ROTOR ANGLE STABILITY
Rotor angle stability refers to the ability of the synchronous machines of an
interconnected power system to remain in synchronism after being subjected to a
disturbance. Instability results in some generators accelerating (decelerating) and losing
synchronism with other generators. Rotor angle stability depends on the ability of each
synchronous machine to maintain equilibrium between electromagnetic torque and
mechanical torque. Under steady state, there is equilibrium between the input mechanical
torque and output electromagnetic torque of each generator, and its speed remains a
constant. Under a disturbance, this equilibrium is upset and the generators
accelerate/decelerate according to the mechanics of a rotating body. Rotor angle stability
is further categorized as follows:
Small single (or small disturbance) rotor angle stability
It is the ability of the power system to maintain synchronism under small
disturbances. In this case, the system equation can be linearized around the initial
operating point and the stability depends only on the operating point and not on the
disturbance. Instability may result in
(i) A non oscillatory or a periodic increase of rotor angle
(ii) Increasing amplitude of rotor oscillations due to insufficient damping.

The first form of instability is largely eliminated by modern fast acting voltage regulators
and the second form of instability is more common. The time frame of small signal
stability is of the order of 10-20 seconds after a disturbance.
Large-signal rotor angle stability or transient stability
This refers to the ability of the power system to maintain synchronism under large
disturbances, such as short circuit, line outages etc. The system response involves large
excursions of the generator rotor angles. Transient stability depends on both the initial
operating point and the disturbance parameters like location, type, magnitude etc.
Instability is normally in the form of a periodic angular separation. The time frame of
interest is 3-5 seconds after disturbance.
The term dynamic stability was earlier used to denote the steady-state stability in
the presence of automatic controls (especially excitation controls) as opposed to manual
controls. Since all generators are equipped with automatic controllers today, dynamic
stability has lost relevance and the Task Force has recommended against its usage.
MECHANICS OF ROTATORY MOTION
Since a synchronous machine is a rotating body, the laws of mechanics of rotating
bodies are applicable to it. In rotation we first define the fundamental quantities. The
angle

is defined, with respect to a circular arc with its center at the vertex of the angle,

as the ratio of the arc length s to radius r.

m=

s
r

The unit is radian. Angular velocity

m

d m
dt

(1)
m

is defined as
(2)

and angular acceleration as

d m d 2 m
=
dt
dt 2

(3)

The torque on a body due to a tangential force F at a distance r from axis of rotation is
given by
T=rF

(4)

The total torque is the summation of infinitesimal forces, given by

T = r dF

(5)

The unit of torque is N-m. When torque is applied to a body, the body experiences
angular acceleration. Each particle experiences a tangential acceleration a = r , where r
is the distance of the particle from axis of rotation. The tangential force required to
accelerate a particle of mass dm is
dF = a dm = r

dm

(6)

The torque required for the particle is

dT = r dF = r2 dm

(7)

and that required for the whole body is given by

r2dm = I

T=

(8)

Here
I=

r2dm

(9)

is called the moment of inertia of the body. The unit is Kg m2. If the torque is assumed
to be the result of a number of tangential forces F, which act at different points of the
body
rF

T=

Now each force acts through a distance

ds = r d
The work done is

F . ds

dW =
W=
and

T=

Frd
Td

m=

dW
d m

Thus the unit of torque may also be Joule per radian.

The power is defined as rate of doing work. Using (11)

(10)
(11)

P=

d W T d m
=
= T m
dt
dt

(12)

The angular momentum M is defined as

M=I

(13)

and the kinetic energy is given by

KE =

1
1
2
I m = M
2
2

(14)

From (14) we can see that the unit of M is seen to be J-sec/rad.

SWING EQUATION:
From (8)
I = T
or

I d 2 m
=T
d t2

(15)

Here T is the net torque of all torques acting on the machine, which includes the shaft
torque (due to prime mover of a generator or load on a motor), torque due to rotational
losses (friction, windage and core loss) and electromagnetic torque.
Let Tm = shaft torque or mechanical torque corrected for rotational losses
Te = Electromagnetic or electrical torque
For a generator Tm tends to accelerate the rotor in positive direction of rotation and for a
motor retards the rotor.
The accelerating torque for a generator
Ta = Tm

Te

(16)

Under steady-state operation of the generator, Tm is equal to Te and the accelerating

torque is zero. There is no acceleration or deceleration of the rotor masses and the
machines run at a constant synchronous speed. In the stability analysis in the following
sections, Tm is assumed to be a constant since the prime movers (steam turbines or hydro
turbines) do no act during the short time period in which rotor dynamics are of interest in
the stability studies.

Now (15) has to be solved to determine

m as a function of time. Since m is

measured with respect to a stationary reference axis on the stator, it is the measure of the
absolute rotor angle and increases continuously with time even at constant synchronous
speed. Since machine acceleration /deceleration is always measured relative to
synchronous speed, the rotor angle is measured with respect to a synchronously rotating
reference axis. Let

m =m
where

sm t

(17)

sm is the synchronous speed in mechanical rad/s and m is the angular

displacement in mechanical radians.

Taking the derivative of (17) we get

d m d m
=
dt
dt

sm

d 2 m d 2 m
=
dt 2
dt 2

(18)

Substituting (18) in (15) we get

I
Multiplying by

d 2 m
= Ta = Tm Te N-m
dt 2

(19)

m on both sides we get

d 2 m
m I 2 = m ( Tm Te ) N-m
dt

(20)

From (12) and (13), we can write

d 2 m
M
= Pm Pa
dt 2

where M is the angular momentum, also called inertia constant

Pm = shaft power input less rotational losses
Pe = Electrical power output corrected for losses
Pa = acceleration power

(21)

M depends on the angular velocity

m , and hence is strictly not a constant, because m

deviates from the synchronous speed during and after a disturbance. However, under
stable conditions

m does not vary considerably and M can be treated as a constant. (21)

is called the Swing equation. The constant M depends on the rating of the machine and
varies widely with the size and type of the machine. Another constant called H constant
(also referred to as inertia constant) is defined as

stored kinetic energy in mega joules

at sychronous speed
H=
MJ / MVA
Machine rating in MVA

(22)

H falls within a narrow range and typical values are given in Table 9.1.
If the rating of the machine is G MVA, from (22) the stored kinetic energy is GH
Mega Joules. From (14)
GH =

1
M s m MJ
2

(23)

or
M=

2 GH

s m

MJ-s/mech rad

(24)

The swing equation (21) is written as

2 H d 2 m Pa Pm Pe
=
=
G
G
s m d t 2

(25)

In (.25) m is expressed in mechanical radians and s m in mechanical radians per second

(the subscript m indicates mechanical units). If and have consistent units then mec
2 H d 2
= Pa = Pm Pe
s dt 2

pu

Here s is the synchronous speed in electrical rad/s ( s =

(26)
p
s m ) and Pa is
2

acceleration power in per unit on same base as H. For a system with an electrical
frequency f Hz, (26) becomes

H d 2
= Pa = Pm Pe pu
f dt 2
when is in electrical radians and

(27)

H d 2
= Pa = Pm Pe
180 f dt 2

pu

(28)

when is in electrical degrees.

(27) and (28) also represent the swing equation. It can be seen that the swing equation is a
second order differential equation which can be written as two first order differential
equations:
2H d
= Pm Pe
s dt

pu

(29)

d
= s
dt

(30)

in which , s and are in electrical units. In deriving the swing equation, damping
has been neglected.

Table 1 : H constants of synchronous machines

Type of machine

H (MJ/MVA)

Turbine generator condensing 1800 rpm

96

3600 rpm

74

3600 rpm

43

Slow speed < 200 rpm

23

High speed > 200 rpm

24

Non condensing
Water wheel generator

Synchronous condenser
Large
Small

1.25 25% less for hydrogen cooled

1.0

Synchronous motor with load varying

from 1.0 to 5.0

2.0

In defining the inertia constant H, the MVA base used is the rating of the machine. In a
multi machine system, swing equation has to be solved for each machine, in which case,
a common MVA base for the system has to chosen. The constant H of each machine must
be consistent with the system base.
Let

Gmach = Machine MVA rating (base)

Gsystem = System MVA base
In (9.25), H is computed on the machine rating G = Gmach
Multiplying (9.25) by

Gmach
on both sides we get
Gsystem

Gmach 2 H d 2 m Pm Pe
=
G system s m dt 2
Gmach

Gmach
Gsystem

(31)

2 H system d 2 m
= Pm Pe pu (on system base)
s m
dt 2
where H system = H

Gmach
Gsystem

(32)

In the stability analysis of a multi machine system, computation is considerably

reduced if the number of swing equations to be solved is reduced. Machines within a
plant normally swing together after a disturbance. Such machines are called coherent
machines and can be replaced by a single equivalent machine, whose dynamics reflects
the dynamics of the plant.

Example 1:
A 50Hz, 4 pole turbo alternator rated 150 MVA, 11 kV has an inertia constant of
9 MJ / MVA. Find the (a) stored energy at synchronous speed (b) the rotor acceleration if
the input mechanical power is raised to 100 MW when the electrical load is 75 MW, (c)
the speed at the end of 10 cycles if acceleration is assumed constant at the initial value.

Solution:
(a)

Stored energy = GH = 150 9 = 1350 MJ

(b)

Pa = Pm Pe = 100 75 = 25 MW
M=

GH
1350
=
= 0.15 MJ s /e
180 f 180 50

0.15

d2
= 25
d t2

Acceleration =

d 2
25
=
=166.6 e/s2
2
0.15
dt

= 166.6

2
m/s2
P

= 166.6

2
1

rps /s
P
360

= 166.6

2
1

60 rpm/s
P
360

= 13.88 rpm/s
* Note e = electrical degree; m = mechanical degree; P=number of poles.
(c) 10 cycles =

10
= 0 .2 s
50

NS = Synchronous speed =

120 50
= 1500 rpm
4

Rotor speed at end of 10 cycles = NS +

0.2

= 1500 + 13.88 0.2 = 1502.776 rpm

Example 2:
Two 50 Hz generating units operate in parallel within the same plant, with the
following ratings:
Unit 1: 500 MVA, 0.8 pf, 13.2 kV, 3600 rpm: H = 4 MJ/MVA
Unit 2: 1000 MVA, 0.9 pf, 13.8 kV, 1800 rpm: H = 5 MJ/MVA
Calculate the equivalent H constant on a base of 100 MVA.

Solution:
H 1system = H 1mach
= 4

G1 mach
G system

500
= 20 MJ/MVA
100

H 2 system = H 2 mach
= 5

G2 mach
Gsystem

1000
= 50 MJ/MVA
100

H eq = H 1 + H 2 = 20 + 50 = 70 MJ/MVA

This is the equivalent inertia constant on a base of 100 MVA and can be used
when the two machines swing coherently.

POWERANGLE EQUATION:
In solving the swing equation, certain assumptions are normally made
(i)

Mechanical power input Pm is a constant during the period of interest,

immediately after the disturbance

(ii)

Rotor speed changes are insignificant.

(iii)

Effect of voltage regulating loop during the transient is neglected i.e the
excitation is assumed to be a constant.

As discussed in section 9.4, the powerangle relationship plays a vital role in the
solution of the swing equation.

POWERANGLE EQUATION FOR A NONSALIENT POLE MACHINE:

The simplest model for the synchronous generator is that of a constant voltage
behind an impedance. This model is called the classical model and can be used for
cylindrical rotor (nonsalient pole) machines. Practically all highspeed turbo alternators
are of cylindrical rotor construction, where the physical air gap around the periphery of
the rotor is uniform. This type of generator has approximately equal magnetic reluctance,
regardless of the angular position of the rotor, with respect to the armature mmf.

r
The power output of the generator is given by the real part of Eg Ia* .

Ia =

E g Vt 0

Neglecting Ra, I a =

P=

(38)

Ra + jxd

(E

E g Vt 0

jxd

E g 90
xd

Vt 90
xd

(Note-

E g cos 90
xd

E g Vt cos (90 + )
xd

E g Vt sin

(39)

xd

stands for real part of)

The maximum power that can be transferred for a particular excitation is given by

E g Vt
xd

at = 90o.

POWER ANGLE EQUATION FOR A SALIENT POLE MACHINE:

Here because of the salient poles, the reluctance of the magnetic circuit in which flows
the flux produced by an armature mmf in line with the quadrature axis is higher than that
of the magnetic circuit in which flows the flux produced by the armature mmf in line with
the direct axis. These two components of armature mmf are proportional to the
corresponding components of armature current. The component of armature current
producing an mmf acting in line with direct axis is called the direct component, Id. The
component of armature current producing an mmf acting in line with the quadrature axis
is called the quadrature axis component, Iq.
Power output P = Vt I a cos
= Ed I d + E q I q

(40)

E d = Vt sin

(41a)

E q = Vt cos
Id =

Iq =

(41b)

E g Eq

= I a sin ( + )

xd

Ed
= I a cos( + )
xq

(41c)
(41d)

Substituting (9.41c) and (9.41d) in (9.40), we obtain

P=

E g Vt sin
xd

Vt (x d xq )sin 2
2

2 xd xq

(42)

(9.42) gives the steady state power angle relationship for a salient pole machine. The
second term does not depend on the excitation and is called the reluctance power
component. This component makes the maximum power greater than in the classical
model. However, the angle at which the maximum power occurs is less than 90o.

TRANSIENT STABILITY:
As defined earlier, transient stability is the ability of the system to remain stable under
large disturbances like short circuits, line outages, generation or load loss etc. The
evaluation of the transient stability is required offline for planning, design etc. and online
for load management, emergency control and security assessment. Transient stability
analysis deals with actual solution of the nonlinear differential equations describing the
dynamics of the machines and their controls and interfacing it with the algebraic
equations describing the interconnections through the transmission network.
Since the disturbance is large, linearized analysis of the swing equation (which
describes the rotor dynamics) is not possible. Further, the fault may cause structural
changes in the network, because of which the power angle curve prior to fault, during the
fault and post fault may be different. Due to these reasons, a general stability criteria for
transient stability cannot be established, as was done in the case of steady state stability
(namely PS > 0). Stability can be established, for a given fault, by actual solution of the
swing equation. The time taken for the fault to be cleared (by the circuit breakers) is
called the clearing time. If the fault is cleared fast enough, the probability of the system
remaining stable after the clearance is more. If the fault persists for a longer time,
likelihood of instability is increased. Critical clearing time is the maximum time
available for clearing the fault, before the system loses stability. Modern circuit breakers
are equipped with auto reclosure facility, wherein the breaker automatically recloses after
two sequential openings. If the fault still persists, the breakers open permanently. Since
most faults are transient, the first reclosure is in general successful. Hence, transient
stability has been greatly enhanced by auto closure breakers.
Some common assumptions made during transient stability studies are as follows:
1. Transmission line and synchronous machine resistances are neglected. Since
resistance introduces a damping term in the swing equation, this gives
pessimistic results.

2. Effect of damper windings is neglected which again gives pessimistic results.

3. Variations in rotor speed are neglected.
4. Mechanical input to the generator is assumed constant. The governor control
loop is neglected. This also leads to pessimistic results.
5. The generator is modeled as a constant voltage source behind a transient
reactance, neglecting the voltage regulator action.
6. Loads are modeled as constant admittances and absorbed into the bus
admittance matrix.
The above assumptions, vastly simplify the equations. A digital computer program for
transient stability analysis can easily include more detailed generator models and effect of
controls, the discussion of which is beyond the scope of present treatment. Studies on the
transient stability of an SMIB system, can shed light on some important aspects of
stability of larger systems.

The figure below shows an example of how the clearing

time has an effect on the swing curve of the machine.

Modified Eulers method:

Eulers method is one of the easiest methods to program for solution of differential
equations using a digital computer . It uses the Taylors series expansion, discarding all
secondorder and higherorder terms. Modified Eulers algorithm uses the derivatives at
the beginning of a time step, to predict the values of the dependent variables at the end of
the step (t1 = t0 + t). Using the predicted values, the derivatives at the end of the interval
are computed. The average of the two derivatives is used in updating the variables.
Consider two simultaneous differential equations:

dx
= f x ( x, y , t )
dt
dy
= f y ( x, y , t )
dt

Starting from initial values x0, y0, t0 at the beginning of a time step and a step size h we
solve as follows:
Let
Dx = fx(x0,y0,t0) =

dx
dt 0

Dy = fy(x0,y0,t0) =

dy
dt 0

x P = x0 + D x h

Predicted values

y P = y0 + Dy h
DxP =

dx
= fx(xP,yP,t1)
dt P

DyP =

dy
= fy(xP,yP,t1)
dt P

x1 = xo +
y1 = yo +

D x + D xP
h
2

D y + D yP
2

x 1 and y1 are used in the next iteration. To solve the swing equation by Modified Eulers
method, it is written as two first order differential equations:

d
=
dt
d Pa
P Pmax sin
=
= m
dt
M
M
Starting from an initial value

o,

at the beginning of any time step, and choosing a step

size t s, the equations to be solved in modified Eulers are as follows:

d
dt

= D1 =

P Pmax sin 0
d
= D2 = m
dt 0
M
P

+ D1 t

0
0

+ D2 t

d
dt

= D1P =
P

d
dt

and

= D2P =
P

D1 + D1P
2

are used as initial values for the successive time step. Numerical errors are

Pm Pmax sin P
M

D 2 + D2 P
2

t
t

introduced because of discarding higherorder terms in Taylors expansion. Errors can be

decreased by choosing smaller values of step size. Too small a step size, will increase
computation, which can lead to large errors due to rounding off. The Runge- Kutta
method which uses higherorder terms is more popular.
Example :A 50 Hz, synchronous generator having inertia constant H = 5.2 MJ/MVA and

x d = 0.3 pu is connected to an infinite bus through a double circuit line as shown in

Fig. 9.21. The reactance of the connecting HT transformer is 0.2 pu and reactance of each
line is 0.4 pu. E g = 1.2 pu and V = 1.0 pu and Pe = 0.8 pu. Obtain the swing curve
using modified Eulers method for a three phase fault occurs at the middle of one of the
transmission lines and is cleared by isolating the faulted line.

Solution:
Before fault transfer reactance between generator and infinite bus
XI = 0.3 + 0.2 +
Pmax I =

0 .4
= 0.7 pu
2

1 .2 1 .0
= 1.714 pu.
0 .7

Initial Pe = 0.8 pu = Pm
Initial operating angle

= sin-1

0 .8
= 27.82o = 0.485 rad.
1.714

When fault occurs at middle of one of the transmission lines, the network and its
reduction is as shown in Fig a to Fig c.

The transfer reactance is 1.9 pu.

Pmax II =

1 .2 1 .0
= 0.63 pu
1 .9

Since there is no outage, Pmax III = Pmax I = 1.714

max

cos

cr

= sin 1

cr

Pm
Pmax III

= sin 1

0 .8
= 2.656 rad
1.714

Pm ( max o ) Pmax II cos o + Pmax III cos max

Pmax III Pmax II

0.8 (2.656 0.485) 0.63 cos (0.485) + 1.714 cos (2.656)

1.714 0.63

1.7368 0.5573 1.5158

= 0.3102
1.084

= cos-1 ( 0.3102) = 1.886 rad = 108.07o

with line outage

XIII = 0.3 + 0.2 + 0.4 = 0.9 pu
Pmax III =
max

1 .2 1 .0
= 1.333 pu
0 .9

= sin 1

0 .8
= 2.498 rad
1.333

Modified Eulers method

o

= 27.82o = 0.485 rad

o

= 0.0 rad / sec ( at t = 00)

Choosing a step size of 0.05 s, the swing is computed. Table a gives the values of the
derivatives and predicted values. Table b gives the initial values
the end of the interval

1,

= 0.761

= 2.072

1.

o,

and the values at

Calculations are illustrated for the time step t = 0.2 s.

Pm = 0.8
M=

5 .2
= 0.0331 s2 / rad
50

Pmax (after fault clearance) = 1.333 pu

D1 = 2.072
D2 =

0.8 1.333 sin ( 0.761)

= 3.604
0.0331

= 0.761 + ( 2.072 0.05) = 0.865

= 2.072 + ( 3.604 0.05) = 1.892

D1P = 1.892
D2P =
1=

1
1,

0.8 1.333 sin (0.865)

= 6.482
0.0331

0.761 +

= 2.072 +

2.072 + 1.892
0.05 = 0.860
2
3.604 6.482
0.05 = 1.82
2

are used as initial values in next time step.

Table a : Calculation of derivatives in modified Eulers method

D1

D2

D1P

D2P

0+

0.0

15.296

0.485

0.765

0.765

15.296

0.05

0.765

14.977

0.542

1.514

1.514

14.350

0.10

1.498

14.043

0.636

2.200

2.200

12.860

0.15

2.17

- 0.299

0.761

2.155

2.155

- 3.600

0.20

2.072

- 3.604

0.865

1.892

1.892

- 6.482

0.25

1.820

- 6.350

0.951

1.502

1.502

- 8.612

0.30

1.446

- 8.424

1.015

1.025

1.025

- 10.041

0.35

0.984

- 9.827

1.054

0.493

0.493

- 10.843

0.40

0.467

- 10.602

1.065

- 0.063

- 0.063

- 11.060

0.45

- 0.074

- 10.803

1.048

- 0.614

- 0.614

- 10.720

0.50

- 0.612

- 10.46

1.004

- 1.135

- 1.135

- 9.800

Table b : calculations of

o,

and

1,

in modified Eulers method

Pmax(pu)

0-

1.714

0.485

rad

rad / sec

rad

rad / sec

deg

0+

0.630

0.485

0.0

0.504

0.765

28.87

0.05

0.630

0.504

0.765

0.561

1.498

32.14

0.10

0.630

0.561

1.498

0.653

2.170

37.41

0.15

1.333

0.653

2.170

0.761

2.072

43.60

0.20

1.333

0.761

2.072

0.860

1.820

49.27

0.25

1.333

0.860

1.820

0.943

1.446

54.03

0.30

1.333

0.943

1.446

1.005

0.984

57.58

0.35

1.333

1.005

0.984

1.042

0.467

59.70

0.40

1.333

1.042

0.467

1.052

- 0.074

60.27

0.45

1.333

1.052

- 0.074

1.035

- 0.612

59.30

0.50

1.333

1.035

- 0.612

0.991

- 1.118

56.78

0.0

Runge - Kutta method

In Range - Kutta method, the changes in dependent variables are calculated from
a given set of formulae, derived by using an approximation, to replace a truncated
Taylors series expansion. The formulae for the Runge - Kutta fourth order
approximation, for solution of two simultaneous differential equations are given below;
Given

dx
= fx (x, y, t)
dt
dy
= fy (x, y, t)
dt

Starting from initial values x0, y0, t0 and step size h, the updated values are
x1 = x0 +

1
(k1 + 2k2 + 2k3 + k4)
6

y1 = y0 +

1
(l1 + 2l2 + 2l3 + l4)
6

where k1 = fx (x0, y0 ,t0) h

k2 = fx x0 +

k1
l
h
h
, y0 + 1 , t0 +
2
2
2

k3 = fx x0 +

k2
l
h
h
, y0 + 2 , t0 +
2
2
2

k4 = fx (x0 + k3, y0 + l3, t0 + h) h

l1 = fy (x0, y0, t0) h
l2 = f y x 0 +

k1
l
h
h
, y0 + 1 , t 0 +
2
2
2

l3 = f y x 0 +

k2
l
h
h
, y0 + 2 , t0 +
2
2
2

l4 = fy (x0 + k3, y0 + l3, t0 + h) h

The two first order differential equations to be solved to obtain solution for the swing
equation are:

d
=
dt

P
P Pmax sin
d
= a = m
dt
M
M
Starting from initial value

0,

0, t0

and a step size of t the formulae are as follows

k1 =

l1 =

Pm Pmax sin 0
M

k2 = 0 +

l1
2

Pm Pmax sin 0 +
l2 =

l2
2

l3 =

k2
2

k4 = (

Pm Pmax sin 0 +

k1
2

k3 = 0 +

l4 =

+ l3 ) t

Pm Pmax sin ( 0 + k 3 )
M
0

+
0

1
[k1 + 2k2 + 2k3 + k4]
6
1
[l1 + 2l2 + 2l3 + l4]
6

Example
Obtain the swing curve for previous example using Runge - Kutta method.

Solution:
0

= 27.820 = 0.485 rad.

0=

0.0 rad / sec. ( at t = 0-)

Choosing a step size of 0.05 s, the coefficient k1, k2, k3, k4 and l1, l2, l3, and l4 are
calculated for each time step. The values of and

are then updated. Table a gives the

coefficient for different time steps. Table b gives the starting values
and the updated values

1,

0,

for a time step

obtained by Runge - Kutta method. The updated values are

used as initial values for the next time step and process continued. Calculations are
illustrated for the time step t = 0.2 s.
0

= 0.756

M = 0.0331 s2 / rad
0

= 2.067

Pm = 0.8
Pmax = 1.333 (after fault is cleared)
k1 = 2.067 0.05 = 0.103
l1 =

0.8 1.333 sin (0.756)

0.05 = 0.173
0.0331
0.173
0.05 = 0.099
2

k2 = 2.067

0.8 1.333 sin 0.756 +

l2 =

k3 =

0.103
2

0.0331

2.067

0.246
0.05 = 0.097
2

0.8 1.333 sin 0.756 +

l3 =

0.05 = 0. 246

0.099
2

0.0331

0.05 = 0. 244

k4 = (2.067 0.244) 0.05 = 0.091

l4 =

0.8 1.333 sin (0.756 + 0.097 )

0.05 = 0. 308
0.0331

= 0.756 +

1
[0.103 + 2 0.099 + 2 0.097 + 0.091] = 0.854
6

= 2.067 +

Now = 0.854 and

1
[ 0.173 + 2 0. 246 + 2 0. 244 0. 308] = 1.823
6

= 1.823 are used as initial values for the next time step. The

computations have been rounded off to three digits. Greater accuracy is obtained by
reducing the step size.
Table a : Coefficients in Runge - Kutta method
T

k1

l1

k2

l2

k3

l3

K4

l4

0.0

0.0

0.764

0.019

0.764

0.019

0.757

0.038

0.749

0.05

0.031

0.749

0.056

0.736

0.056

0.736

0.075

0.703

0.10

0.075

0.704

0.092

0.674

0.091

0.667

0.108

0.632

0.15

0.108

0.010

0.108

0.094

0.106

0.095

0.103

0.173

0.20

0.103

0.173

0.099

0.246

0.097

0.244

0.091

0.308

8.25

0.091

0.309

0.083

0.368

0.082

0.363

0.073

0.413

0.30

0.073

0.413

0.063

0.455

0.061

0.450

0.050

0.480

0.35

0.050

0.483

0.038

0.510

0.037

0.504

0.025

0.523

0.40

0.025

0.523

0.012

0.536

0.011

0.529 0.001 0.534

0.45 0. 001 0.534 0.015 0.533 0.015 0.526 0.027 0.519

0.50

0.028

0.519 0.040 0.504 0.040 0.498 0.053 0.476

Table b: ,
t

Pmax

(sec)

(pu)

computations by Runge - Kutta method

0

(rad)

rad/sec

rad

rad/sec

deg

0-

1.714 0.485

0.0

0+

0.630 0.485

0.0

0.504

0.759

28.87

0.05 0.630 0.504

0.756

0.559

1.492

32.03

0.10 0.630 0.559

1.492

0.650

2.161

37.24

0.15 1.333 0.650

2.161

0.756

2.067

43.32

0.20 1.333 0.756

2.067

0.854

1.823

48.93

0.25 1.333 0.854

1.823

0.936

1.459

53.63

0.30 1.333 0.936

1.459

0.998

1.008

57.18

0.35 1.333 0.998

1.008

1.035

0.502

59.30

0.40 1.333 1.035

0.502

1.046 0.029 59.93

0.45 1.333 1.046 0.029 1.031 0.557 59.07

0.50 1.333 1.031 0.557 0.990 1.057 56.72

Note:

0,

indicate values at beginning of interval and

1,

at end of interval. The

fault is cleared at 0.125 seconds. Pmax = 0.63 at t = 0.1 sec and Pmax = 1.333 at t = 0.15
sec, since fault is already cleared at that time. The swing curves obtained from modified
Eulers method and Runge - Kutta method are shown in Fig. It can be seen that the two
methods yield very close results.

Fig: : Swing curves with Modified Euler and Runge-Kutta methods

Milnes Predictor Corrector method:

The Milnes formulae for solving two simultaneous differential equations are
given below.
Consider

dx
= fx (x, y, t)
dt
dy
= fy (x, y, t)
dt

With values of x and y known for four consecutive previous times, the predicted value for
n + 1th time step is given by

xnP+ 1 = xn 3 +

4h
2 x n 2 xn 1 + 2 x n
3

y nP+ 1 = y n 3 +

4h
2 y n 2 y n 1 + 2 y n
3

Where x and y are derivatives at the corresponding time step. The corrected values are

xn+1 = xn 1 +

h
x n 1 + 4 xn + x n + 1
3

yn+1 = y n 1 +

h
y n 1 + 4 y n + y n + 1
3

(
(x

where xn +1 = f x xnP+1 , y nP+1 , t n +1

y n +1 = f y

P
n +1

, y nP+1 , t n +1

)
)

To start the computations we need four initial values which may be obtained by
modified Eulers method, Runge - Kutta method or any other numerical method which is
self starting, before applying Milnes method. The method is applied to the solution of
swing equation as follows:
Define n =

n =

d
dt
d
dt

= n
n

=
n

nP+1 = n 3 +

Pm Pmax sin n
M

4 t
2 n 2 n 1 + 2 n
3

 nP+1 = n 3 +
n+1

n+1

n-1

t
n 1 + 4 n + n +1
3

t
n 1 + 4 n + n +1
3

n-1

4 t
2 n 2 n 1 + 2 n
3

where n +1 = nP+1

n +1 =

Pm Pmax sin nP+ 1

M

Example
Solve example using Milnes method.

Solution:
To start the process, we take the first four computations from Range Kutta method
t = 0.0 s

1=

t = 0.05 s

0.504

= 0.759

= 0.559

= 1.492

t = 0.10 s

= 0.650

= 2.161

t = 0.15 s

= 0.756

= 2.067

The corresponding derivatives are calculated using the formulae for n and n . We get

1 = 0.759

1 = 14.97

2 = 1.492

2 = 14.075

3 = 2.161

3 = 12.65

4 =2.067

4 = 3.46

We now compute

and

5P = 1 +

5,

at the next time step i.e t = 0.2 s.

4t
2 2 3 + 2 4
3

= 0.504 +

5P = 1 +

4 0.05
[2 1.492 2.161 + 2 2.067] = 0.834
3

4t
2 2 3 + 2 4
3

4 0.05
[2 14.075 12.65 + 2 (3.46)] = 1.331
3

= 0.759 +

5 = 1.331
5 =
5

0.8 1.333 sin (0.834)

= 5.657
0.0331
+

t
3 + 4 4 + 5
3

= 0.65 +
5

0.05
[2.161 + 4 2.067 + 1.331] = 0.846
3

t
3 + 4 4 + 5
3

= 2.161 +

5 =
5 =

0.05
[12.65 4 3.46 5.657 ] = 2.047
3

= 2.047

0.8 1.333 sin (0.846)

= 5.98
0.0331

The computations are continued for the next time step in a similar manner.

MULTI MACHINE TRANSIENT STABILITY ANALYSIS

A typical modern power system consists of a few thousands of nodes with heavy
interconnections. Computation simplification and memory reduction have been two
major issues in the development of mathematical models and algorithms for digital
computation of transient stability. In its simplest form, the problem of a multi machine
power system under going a disturbance can be mathematically stated as follows:

x(t )

x(t ) = f I ( x(t ))

t 0

x(t ) = f II ( x(t ))

0 < t t ce

x(t ) = f III ( x(t ))

t ce < t <

s the vector of state variables to describe the differential equations

governing the generator rotor dynamics, dynamics of flux decay and associated generator

controller dynamics (like excitation control, PSS, governor control etc). The function fI
describes the dynamics prior to the fault. Since the system is assumed to be in steady
state, all the state variable are constant. If the fault occurs at t = 0, fII describes the
dynamics during fault, till the fault is cleared at time tcl. The postfault dynamics is
governed by fIII. The state of the system xcl at the end of the fault-on period (at t = tcl)
provides the initial condition for the postfault network described which determines
whether a system is stable or not after the fault is cleared. Some methods are presented in
the following sections to evaluate multi machine transient stability. However, a detailed
exposition is beyond the scope of the present book.

REDUCED ORDER MODEL

This is the simplest model used in stability analysis and requires minimum data.
The following assumptions are made:

Mechanical power input to each synchronous machine is assumed to be

constant.

Damping is neglected.

Synchronous machines are modeled as constant voltage sources behind

transient reactance.

Loads are represented as constant impedances.

With these assumptions, the multi machine system is represented as in Fig. 9.26.

Fig 9.26 Multi machine system

Nodes 1, 2 n are introduced in the model and are called internal nodes (the
terminal node is the external node connected to the transmission network). The swing
equations are formed for the various generators using the following steps:

Step 1: All system data is converted to a common base.

Step 2: A prefault load flow is performed, to determine the prefault steady state voltages,
at all the external buses. Using the prefault voltages, the loads are converted into
equivalent shunt admittance, connected between the respective bus and the reference
node. If the complex load at bus i is given by
S i = PLi + QLi

the equivalent admittance is given by

YLi =

S L* i
VLi

PLi jQLi
VLi

Step 3: The internal voltages are calculated from the terminal voltages, using

Ei i = Vi + j x d i I i
= Vi + jxdi
= Vi + j xd'i

S G* i
Vi

(P

Gi

j QG i )
Vi

i is the angle of Ei with respect to Vi. If the angle of Vi is i, then the angle of
Ei, with respect to common reference is given by i = i + i . PGi and QGi are obtained
from load flow solution.

Step4: The bus admittance matrix Ybus formed to run the load flow is modified to include
the following.
(i) The equivalent shunt load admittance given by, connected between the
respective load bus and the reference node.
(ii)

Additional nodes are introduced to represent the generator internal nodes.

Appropriate values of admittances corresponding to xd , connected between
the internal nodes and terminal nodes are used to update the Ybus.

(iii) Ybus corresponding to the faulted network is formed. Generally transient

stability analysis is performed, considering three phase faults, since they are
the most severe. The Ybus during the fault is obtained by setting the elements
of the row and column corresponding to the faulted bus to zero.
(iv) Ybus corresponding to the postfault network is obtained, taking into account
line outages if any. If the structure of the network does not change, the Ybus
of the post-fault network is same as the prefault network.

Step 5: The admittance form of the network equations is

I = Ybus V
Since loads are all converted into passive admittances, current injections are present only
at the n generator internal nodes. The injections at all other nodes are zero. Therefore, the
current vector I can be partitioned as
I=

In
0

where In is the vector of current injections corresponding to the n generator internal

nodes. Ybus and V are also partitioned appropriately, so that
In
Y
= 1
0
Y3

Y2
Y4

En
Vt

where En is the vector of internal emfs of the generators and Vt is the vector of external
bus voltages. From (9.91) we can write
In = Y1 En + Y2 Vt
0 = Y3 En + Y4 Vt
we get
Vt = Y41Y3 E n
In = (Y1 Y2 Y4 1 Y3 ) En = Y En

where Y = Y1 Y2 Y41 Y3 is called the reduced admittance matrix and has dimension

n n . Y gives the relationship between the injected currents and the internal generator

voltages. It is to be noted we have eliminated all nodes except the n internal nodes.

Step 6: The electric power output of the generators are given by

PGi =

[Ei I i* .]

Substituting for Ii from (9.94) we get

PGi = Ei

G i i +

j =1 i

Ei E j B i j sin ( i j ) + G i j cos ( i j )

(This equation is derived in chapter on load flows)

Step 7: The rotor dynamics representing the swing is now given by

d 2 i
Mi
= PMi - PGi
dt 2

i = 1..n

The mechanical power PMi is equal to the pre-fault electrical power output, obtained from
pre-fault load flow solution.

Step 8: The n second order differential equations can be decomposed into 2n first order
differential equations which can be solved by any numerical method .

Though reduced order models, also called classical models, require less
computation and memory, their results are not reliable. Further, the interconnections of
the physical network of the system is lost.

FACTORS AFFECTING TRANSIENT STABILITY:

The relative swing of a machine and the critical clearing time are a measure of the
stability of a generating unit. From the swing equation, it is obvious that the generating
units with smaller H, have larger angular swings at any time interval. The maximum
power transfer Pmax =

Eg V
xd

, where V is the terminal voltage of the generators. Therefore

an increase in xd , would reduce Pmax. Hence, to transfer a given power Pe, the angle
would increase since Pe = Pmax sin , for a machine with larger xd . This would reduce the
critical clearing time, thus, increasing the probability of losing stability.
Generating units of present day have lower values of H, due to advanced cooling
techniques, which have made it possible to increase the rating of the machines without
significant increase in the size. Modern control schemes like generator excitation control,
Turbine valve control, single-pole operation of circuit breakers and fast-acting circuit
breakers with auto re-closure facility have helped in enhancing overall system stability.
Factors which can improve transient stability are
(i)

Reduction of transfer reactance by using parallel lines.

(ii)

Reducing transmission line reactance by reducing conductor spacing and

increasing conductor diameter, by using hollow cores.

(iii) Use of bundled conductors.

(iv) Series compensation of the transmission lines with series capacitors. This
also increases the steady state stability limit. However it can lead to problem
of sub-synchronous resonance.
(v)

Since most faults are transient, fast acting circuit breakers with rapid
re-closure facility can aid stability.

(vi) The most common type of fault being the single-line-to-ground fault,
selective single pole opening and re-closing can improve stability.
(vii) Use of braking resistors at generator buses. During a fault, there is a sudden
decrease in electric power output of generator. A large resistor, connected at

the generator bus, would partially compensate for the load loss and help in
decreasing the acceleration of the generator. The braking resistors are
switched during a fault through circuit breakers and remain for a few cycles
after fault is cleared till system voltage is restored.
(viii) Short circuit current limiters, which can be used to increase transfer
impedance during fault, there by reducing short circuit currents.
(ix) A recent method is fast valving of the turbine where in the mechanical
power is lowered quickly during the fault, and restored once fault is cleared.